Stacy Coulson |
| Country of Service |
| Mali, West Africa |
| Dates Served |
| 2003 - 2005 |
| Volunteer Position |
| Health Educator (Health Extension Agent) |
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| Description of main volunteer activities: |
| Working with local community leaders, health committee members and village midwife, the focus of my service was to design and implement programs and initiatives that addressed maternal /child health care, nutrition and disease prevention for a rural cotton farming village called Kaniko. These included the Hearth Model: The Mother of Light Project, a two-week program designed to nutritionally rehabilitate underweight and undernourished children by using local food resources and to educate mothers on topics of disease prevention, family planning, nutrition and weaning. Village leaders and I organized an International Women’s Day Festival, which included local music, cuisine, dancing, and health promotion activities. Through a Peace Corps Partnership Grant, the village health committee and I established a new and improved birthing clinic complete with solar powered electricity and outdoor health education area. Other activities included cross cultural exchange through a weekly volunteer produced radio show, which was broadcast in Bambara, the local language. Some favorite activities included afternoon tea and conversation with a ladies group and sharing daily meals with family and friends. |
| How Peace Corps service influenced decision to go into nursing and future plans: |
| My experience as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mali was a major catalyst for my decision to become a nurse. Through my work in the village maternity alongside the midwife, I found my sense of vocation and the women and children with whom I served are the very inspiration for my career choice. I hope to bring my nursing skills back to West Africa and continue to collaborate with host country leaders, health care professionals, and international organizations to improve access to quality health care and resources, as well as develop disease prevention and health promotion initiatives. |
| Impact of RPCV Fellows experience: |
| The RPCV Fellows experience has offered me opportunities to connect with other returned volunteers and the ability to continue the third goal of the Peace Corps Program: cross culture exchange. The Fellows Program has also provided an avenue for continued service to a community that in many ways like Mali, has a rich history, but also significant health disparities that can be addressed through partnerships, volunteerism, and community outreach. |
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